We are excited to present our new responsive website to Rhode Island. Here you will find information on various topics related to domestic violence and the work we are doing to end it. The site is designed to provide resources to individuals experiencing abuse so that they can get the help they need. It is also a valuable tool for people who want to help and for those who want to get involved. Check back often for updates, and share your feedback with us so that we can better serve you.

The RICADV's six local domestic violence agencies provide a wide array of services for victims, including 24-hour hotline support, emergency shelter, support groups, counseling services, and assistance with the legal system. For more information about these organizations and services, call the statewide Helpline at800-494-8100 or click below. If you see or hear someone being hurt, call 911 immediately.

At the RICADV, we proactively serve the Latino community, collaborating with Rhode Island businesses to further our reach to those experiencing abuse. During our public awareness campaigns, we have partnered with Telemundo, Providence en Español, and Latina 100.3 FM to help Latino communities know that help is available through our member agencies. Each agency offers diverse programs and services that can include safety planning, court advocacy, shelter, and support groups. Immigration help is also available. Access our website in Spanish by clicking the "Read More" button below or En Español at the top of this page.

Last October, we launched our KNOW MORE. DO MORE. campaign in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Our goal was to help different sectors of the community – including health care, the workplace, faith, and Latino communities – take action to end domestic violence. When communities take a stand as leaders on this issue, individuals are more likely to have the support they need to act. That's when we'll see real change in Rhode Island. That's how we'll put a stop to domestic violence. Learn more about our 2014 campaign by clicking below.

As coworkers, employers, businesses and organizations, we have the ability to help those experiencing domestic violence. The workplace often serves as a location where abusers can readily access their victims, and relationship abuse can greatly impact victims' job performance in other ways, too; for instance, victims lose an estimated 8 million days of paid work each year due to domestic violence, the equivalent of more than 32,000 full-time jobs. These problems only serve to exacerbate the financial abuse that occurs in 98% of abusive relationships. An easy way to begin creating a safe workplace environment is to display materials on domestic violence in visible, accessible areas. Click below to view DVAM 2014 posters that you can hang in your office.

Health care providers are often the first to learn about the domestic violence that their patients may be experiencing and are in a unique position to help prevent future abuse. Listening to patients is a critical first step. During DVAM 2014, the RICADV connected with members of Rhode Island's health care community to help them know more about the steps they can take to address domestic violence. We partnered with the Rhode Island Medical Society, which published an article written by RICADV staff in the October issue of Rhode Island Medical Journal. View the article by clicking below.

The Newsroom

Latest News

Ten Men Launches June Public Awareness Campaign as National Leaderin the Work to Prevent Domestic Violence through Men’s Engagement

Ten Men expands RI presence in 2015, the third year of a program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Radio and broadcast public service announcements will air throughout the monthon WEEI, WHJY, Pandora, and local TV networks

[Providence, RI – June 18, 2015] Following a year where domestic violence made national headlines – and the importance of healthy masculinity commanded the country’s attention in unprecedented ways – Ten Men has launched its 2015 Father’s Day public awareness campaign, inviting Rhode Island men to play a part in preventing domestic violence.

Ten Men’s television public service announcement will air on local networks throughout the month, while the group’s radio public service announcement will air in English on 94 WHJY, 103.7 WEEI, and Pandora and in Spanish on Latina 100.3FM.

The campaign arrives just in time for Father’s Day, calling RI men to think about how they use their voice and how they influence others. Everyone is a role model for certain people in their lives, which means everyone has the ability to help create a world without domestic violence.

March 13 Declared NO MORE Day by RI General Assembly

The resolution was chosen to align with national NO MORE Day, an initiative to unify all advocacy organizations and community members that support ending domestic violence and sexual assault across the country

Wednesday, amidst national and local activity to build awareness for ending domestic violence and sexual assault, the Rhode Island General Assembly issued a commitment of its own: the declaration of March 13, 2013 as NO MORE Day in Rhode Island.

The announcement, which is archived on the General Assembly's website and records, coincided with a community gathering at the State House organized by the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence – in response to the serious issue of Governor Lincoln D. Chafee's proposed budget cuts to programs and services that are vital in saving the lives of domestic and sexual abuse victims. The event was also part of National NO MORE Day, an initiative to publicly launch the NO MORE campaign, which here in RI has been building momentum since last year. To mark the occasion locally, RICADV, its member agencies (Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County, Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, Sojourner House, Women's Center of Rhode Island and the Women's Resource Center), and Day One invited allies, advocates and the general public to talk with legislators and public officials about the severe impact these detrimental cuts will have on Rhode Island's future—one that should be free of domestic violence and sexual assault, but cannot be if this plan is enacted.

Upon entering their respective chambers, House of Representatives Speaker Pro Tempore Elaine A. Coderre (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket) and Senator Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Senate Majority Whip, Providence) introduced resolutions to the RI House of Representatives and Senate to make March 13, 2013 NO MORE Day, and each body passed the resolution. RICADV was also recognized during both sessions for the organization's work in the movement to end domestic violence.

Representative Coderre and Senator Goodwin are long-time supporters of RICADV and powerful allies in the movement to end domestic violence, and both acknowledged that in passing the resolution, the impact of the day would 1) be felt for years to come and 2) serve as a permanent reminder to all Rhode Islanders to pledge NO MORE to domestic violence and sexual assault. That is, in part, because the resolution includes language recognizing that there are 205,000 victims in the State who experience rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetimes and that domestic violence poses a major public health crisis, not only for the significant others who fall victim to these horrific acts, but also for the children who suffer through the experience and the community that often feels powerless when DV incidences occur.

The resolution also includes the following language about NO MORE Day: "WHEREAS, 'NO MORE Day' serves as a symbol of commitment to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in Rhode Island and across the nation; and WHEREAS, 'NO MORE Day' will also serve as a national symbol to bring awareness to issues of domestic violence and sexual assault that all too often get overlooked; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That this (Senate/House) of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby recognizes March 13, 2013, as 'NO MORE Day,' a day that will be known as the nation's call to end domestic violence and sexual assault."

Deborah DeBare, RICADV Executive Director, commended the General Assembly for publicly making a commitment to ending Domestic Violence in RI. "I am also happy," she said "that the legislators took time to hear from the members of their constituency who joined us at the State House to raise their voices in opposition to these cuts. It is important for members of the public to know that their views and concerns matter, and it is important that our legislators be reminded that domestic violence happens in every community in RI."

About RICADV:The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. RICADV was formed in 1979 to support and assist the six domestic violence prevention agencies in Rhode Island. The organization also provides leadership to its six member agencies, strives to create justice for victims, and raises awareness on the issue of domestic violence in Rhode Island.

2) Mary Roda, Executive Director of RICADV member agency Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County (DVRCSC), poses with Representative Teresa Tanzi, one of the legislators who serves her catchment area.

3) Staff and volunteers from RICADV and its 6 member agencies (Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County, Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, Sojourner House, Women's Center of Rhode Island and the Women's Resource Center), along with members of RICADV task force SOAR (Survivors Overcoming Abusive Relationships) pose with House of Representatives Speaker Pro Tempore Elaine A. Coderre (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket), after both the House and Senate passed the NO MORE Day resolution.

Communications Center

Communicating our work to end DV is vital +

Communicating the work to end domestic violence is vital. Visit our Communications Center and The Newsroom to KNOW MORE. Read More

Public Awareness +

Raising awareness to end domestic violence is part of our mission. Learn how we keep the issue visible in our communities. Read More

Handbook for Journalists +

The media can help break the silence and educate the public. Visit our online guide for journalists covering domestic violence.Read More

In 2014, the RICADV celebrated 35 years of progress in advocating for victims and holding abusers accountable.

On October 9, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we commemorated this milestone with special guest Lisa Leslie, WNBA legend, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and supporter of the national NO MORE campaign against domestic violence.

We thank everyone who has played a part in helping us move our work forward. Together we can end domestic violence.

Visit our 35th anniversary page to watch a special video, view photos of the event (coming soon!), and more.

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the RICADV every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at http://smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to the RICADV.

On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Choose the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence to support us. Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make on AmazonSmile will result in a donation.

About the RICADV

The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. We were formed in 1979 to support and assist the six domestic violence prevention agencies in Rhode Island. We provide leadership to our member agencies, strive to create justice for victims, and raise awareness on the issue of domestic violence in Rhode Island.

Member Agencies

The RICADV's six local domestic violence agencies provide a wide array of services for victims, including 24-hour hotline support, emergency shelter, support groups, counseling services, and assistance with the legal system. For more information about these organizations and services, call the statewide Helpline at 800-494-8100 or click here. If you hear or see someone being hurt, call 911 immediately.